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Archived post

Tuesday, December 26, 2006

National Nurse Team In Santa Barbara

Please join members of the National Nursing Network Organization at Santa Barbara City College, Building PS-101 (721 Cliff Drive Santa Barbara CA 93109-2394) for a presentation on the proposal to create an Office of the National Nurse.

The discussion will include the rationale that inspired the proposal; a description of the role and responsibilities of the National Nurse, State Coordinators, and National Nurse Teams; and what others are doing to make a difference in helping to pass legislation that would establish an Office of the National Nurse.

Nurses and the public are invited to attend this free event. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and the event will begin at 7:00 p.m.CEU's will be offered (information on this is pending).

Please RSVP teri@nationalnurse.info if you are interested in attending. We look forward to greeting you in the New Year.

Special thanks to the Channel Island Chapter of the ONS who is sponsoring this event.

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Thursday, December 21, 2006

Holiday Greetings

Pictured: Lillian Gonzalez

As the holidays approach I am grateful for the gifts of life, love, and laughter. We often take for granted the gift of good health. A vibrant and healthy body, mind and spirit, intensifies the joy of any gift. As a nurse who has seen first-hand the devastation of poor health, this holiday season, I would like to thank each Congressional Representative who supports the National Nurse Act, HR 4903. I cannot think of a better gift for nurses than to allow us to spread the message of prevention to improve the ailing health of our nation.

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Monday, December 18, 2006

Vic's DC Report

Pictured: Victoria Hafter

When a friend of mine asked if I would like to join her on a trip to Washington DC and Capitol Hill, I jumped at the opportunity to go.

As a concerned citizen I felt it was imperative to let my representatives know in person the issues that are important to me. One of these is the National Nurse Act of 2006-HR 4903. As someone who experienced a life-threatening misdiagnosis by my physician several years ago who was then properly diagnosed by the attending nurses who cared for me in the hospital, I saw first hand how underestimated these hardworking men and women are. If not for those wonderful dedicated nurses, I would not be here.

I am also a huge advocate for preventive health care information; empowering the American people to learn how to stay well and live healthy lives.

While in Washington I left information about HR 4903 with the health policy aides of several US Representatives.

I will be returning in April to follow up and personally thank those who support this bill. As time was a factor I was unable to complete as many visits as I would have liked.

For an ordinary person such as myself to have the chance to travel to Washington and advocate for this important piece of legislation was for me one of the most empowering things I have ever done.

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Thursday, December 14, 2006

Public Health Nurse Supports HR 4903

Pictured: Cara Steck

The National Nurse Team is interested in hearing the opinions of readers/supporters about the proposal to create an Office of the National Nurse. If you would like your comments to be published either on this website or in the weekly newsletters, please send these along with a picture to teri@nationalnurse.info

"As a health educator and registered nurse, I see a tremendous need for public health education every day. An Office of the National Nurse would bring preventive health care to the forefront and truly help Americans achieve better health."Cara Steck, RN, MPHPortland, Oregon

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Friday, December 08, 2006

Thank You Congresswoman Susan Davis (CA)

Pictured: Congresswoman Susan Davis (CA)

"Nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system. Without their dedication and hard work, patients would not receive the personalized care they need. They offer the critical human element during times of duress for both patients and their loved ones. This is why I am a proud supporter of the National Nurse Act, H.R. 4903.

H.R. 4903 would create an Office of the National Nurse dedicated to improving the nation’s health through preventative care, increased public awareness of health care issues, and by encouraging individuals to pursue and remain in nursing careers.

Nurses are invaluable to the success and quality of our healthcare delivery system, and their importance will only continue to grow. Demographics like an aging population and growth in outpatient services are driving up the demand for nursing. The nursing profession stands out from others by being called on to integrate the latest technology while still giving good old-fashioned TLC.

H.R. 4903 recognizes nurses are often placed in situations when they must be reformers, advocates and mediators and seeks to optimize this role on a national level."

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Monday, December 04, 2006

Supporting A Call To Action

As an experienced critical care nurse, certified case manager, rehabilitation nurse and educator, I am proud to support the establishment of the Office of National Nurse and HR 4903.

As our country moves towards a patient centered healthcare system consumers require guidance and support to successfully navigate the healthcare system. Nurses are in a unique position to lead this effort as they are the only professional, as a member of the care coordination team, who has direct access to the patient 24/7, when they are physically in the hospital system, and available by email/phone for those in the outpatient setting.

What has been needed and what HR 4903 will finally provide is a coordinated and streamlined system where nurses across the country can be called to action. The results of this 'call to action' will be a system where communication is streamlined, care is coordinated, educational efforts are structured to increase motivation so patients begin to change behaviors that contribute to catastrophic and chronic conditions, and improve adherence of care.

HR 4903 is the first plan of its kind to address the myth that there is a nursing shortage in the United States and finally recognizes that nurses are quietly working in every corner of today's healthcare system. The Office of the National Nurse will recognize the power of the nurse and finally provide the opportunity for nurses to recognize their strengths and begin to address in a systematic manner the problems that contribute to duplication, errors, and frustration which contribute to escalating healthcare spending. The results of HR 4903 will be a system that utilizes resources appropriately, works together as a team and recognizes the patient as the center of the system.